The Dallas-based tech startup Rollout noticed just how paper-dependent AEC firms are.
The company says that 90% of contractors still use paper plans, and that 37 million construction drawings are printed every year. These outdated drawings end up costing these firms $9 billion per year.
Rollout developed PaperLight, an interactive projector and screen that provides the benefits of paper, but without the waste.
Users assemble PaperLight with the 34x24-inch white screen flat on a surface and the 29-inch projection rod hovering above it. It works as a touchscreen, where users can not only view plans, but also sketch, zoom in and out, and write notes with a stylus or their fingers. PaperLight captures edits automatically and can connect with a computer.
It fits on most desktops, and the projector can even be angled upwards and shined onto a wall for presentations. PaperLight works with a bunch of programs, including Photoshop, Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit. The device is made of plastic, not glass, and it is shatterproof, water-resistant, and portable. It weighs 20 lbs.
Rollout will begin a crowdfunding campaign on SPURstartup later this week. PaperLight has a retail price of $5,000 and a pre-order price of $3,999 while supplies last.
Related Stories
AEC Tech | Mar 7, 2018
Interoperability for the building industry – More wicked problems
This article is a follow up to Nathan Miller's 2016 article “The Wicked Problem of Interoperability”.
AEC Tech | Feb 28, 2018
Nine tips to bridge the cybernetic design gap
Unlike other technologies we have seen, augmented and virtual reality are looking to have staying power in a truly disruptive way.
AEC Tech | Jan 29, 2018
thyssenkrupp tests self-driving robot for ‘last mile’ delivery of elevator parts
“With driverless delivery robots, we could fill a gap and get spare parts from our warehouses to the jobsite faster,” said thyssenkrupp SVP Ivo Siebers.
AEC Tech | Jan 25, 2018
Four high-tech solutions to mitigate theft on the jobsite
Geo-fencing and drone surveillance are among the tech solutions for protecting jobsites from asset loss.
BD+C University Course | Jan 2, 2018
The art and science of rendering: Visualization that sells architecture [AIA course]
3D artist Ramy Hanna offers guidelines and tricks-of-the-trade to ensure that project artwork is a stunning depiction of the unbuilt space.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Dec 21, 2017
Interactive map includes detailed information on historic New York City buildings
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new, enhanced version of its interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks.
AEC Tech | Dec 20, 2017
6 CFD post-processing tips to improve visualization productivity and quality
Southland Engineering’s Abdullah Karimi offers helpful tips for making computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models more productive.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 3, 2017
4 strategies for marketing your AEC firm
Having a clearly defined competitive brand and a fine-tuned marketing approach can give your firm a significant competitive advantage.
Sponsored | AEC Tech | Oct 19, 2017
3 reasons why your firm needs cloud software
For firms looking to propel their architectural design services to new heights and levels of sophistication, a consolidated cloud-based platform is a valuable asset.
AEC Tech | Oct 6, 2017
How professional bias can sabotage industry transformation
Professional bias can take the form of change-resistant thinking that can keep transformational or innovative ambitions at bay. Tech consultant Nate Miller presents three kinds of bias that often emerge when a professional is confronted with new technology.